an endless list of

USAGE SUMMARY

"an endless list of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a list of items that seems to go on without end. For example, "The antique store had an endless list of knick-knacks, curios, and conversation starters."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I have an endless list of tasks.

The New York Times

There's an endless list of gadgets, apps, and hacks to help — many you've never considered.

Stanford University

The festival of Literature for Young People is back with an endless list of literary events.

The Guardian

All cuisines change, of course, but Chinese cuisine seems almost immutable, an endless list of classic dishes codified eons ago.

The New York Times - Food

My inherent cynicism isn't without evidence: there is an endless list of corporate wrongdoing in the developing world.

The Guardian

"There's an endless list of wonderful women in sci-fi and film, as well as television, comic books and games.

The Guardian

Looking at what seemed to be an endless list of scholarships to apply for, I felt an urge to apply for all of them.

The New York Times

The results, he said, would fill an "endless list" of security improvements at the country's borders, in small towns and along the nation's highways.

The New York Times

Sir Reg Empey, the Ulster Unionist leader, called for an end to Bloody Sunday-style inquiries: "Northern Ireland cannot endure an endless list of Saville-type inquiries.

The Guardian

Since the Red Sox have had a long and, until recently, tortured history, they have an endless list of forgettable dates.

The New York Times - Sports

I could come up with an endless list of explanations, and it might have been any combination of those things, or none at all.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an endless list of", consider whether a more specific term might be more impactful. For example, instead of "an endless list of problems", try "a myriad of challenges" or "a host of issues" to add nuance and precision to your writing.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "an endless list of" as it can become repetitive and weaken your writing. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms or rephrasing to maintain reader engagement and add depth to your descriptions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an endless list of" functions as a pre-modifier to a noun, typically a plural noun, indicating a large and seemingly inexhaustible quantity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a common expression used to describe numerous items.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Academia

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an endless list of" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to emphasize a large and seemingly infinite number of items. As validated by Ludwig AI, this phrase is used mainly in news and media contexts, and can be used in formal writing. While acceptable, consider using synonyms to avoid repetition and enhance the precision of your writing. Be mindful of the specific context and choose the most appropriate phrasing to convey your intended meaning effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a never-ending series of

Emphasizes the continuous and sequential nature of the items, implying a process rather than a static list. Similarity score: 90

a countless array of

Highlights the inability to count the items, focusing on their numerousness and variety. Similarity score: 88

a limitless number of

Stresses the absence of any boundary or restriction on the quantity. Similarity score: 87

an infinite amount of

Suggests a theoretically unbounded quantity, more abstract and less concrete than a 'list'. Similarity score: 85

a plethora of

Implies an abundance and richness of items, often with a positive connotation. Similarity score: 83

a vast quantity of

Emphasizes the large scale of the items, focusing on the overall amount. Similarity score: 82

an inexhaustible supply of

Focuses on the idea that the items will not run out or be depleted, suggesting abundance over time. Similarity score: 80

a bottomless pit of

Suggests a seemingly endless and insatiable demand or need, rather than a simple list. Similarity score: 78

a sea of

Creates a visual image of a large, overwhelming quantity, often implying uniformity among the items. Similarity score: 75

an unremitting stream of

Highlights the constant and uninterrupted flow of items, implying a continuous process. Similarity score: 73

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "an endless list of"?

You can use alternatives like "a never-ending series of", "a countless array of", or "a limitless number of" depending on the context.

How can I use "an endless list of" in a sentence?

You can use "an endless list of" to describe something that has many items or possibilities. For example, "The museum offered an endless list of activities for children."

Is it okay to use "an endless list of" in formal writing?

Yes, "an endless list of" is generally acceptable in formal writing. However, consider whether a more precise or sophisticated term, such as "a comprehensive catalog of" or "an exhaustive inventory of", might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "an endless list of" and "a comprehensive list of"?

"An endless list of" implies that the list is so long it seems infinite, while "a comprehensive list of" suggests the list is thorough and complete, covering all relevant items. The former focuses on quantity; the latter, on thoroughness.